Rotary actuator



Sept 7, 1955 E. F. PIERCE 3,204,475

ROTARY ACTUATOR Filed Jan. 14, 196s [dw/'fr f.' Pierce,

/i INVENTOR.

WHANN 8 McMAN/GAL United States Patent C) 3,2tl4,475 RTARY ACTUATR Edwin F. Pierce, Pasadena, Calif., assigner to E. and P. Engineering Research and Development Corporation, Reno, Nev., a corporation of Nevada Filed lan. 14, 1963, Ser. No. 251,158 11 Claims. (Cl. 74-128) This invention relates generally to rotary actuators and particularly relates to a mechanism for converting reciprocating movement into stepwise rotary movement, thedmechanism being preferably reciprocated by a soleno1 Rotary actuators which are operated by a solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement are well known in the art. Such a rotary actuator operated by a solenoid is usually referred to as a rotary solenoid. A rotary solenoid may be utilized, for example, for the stepwise rotation of the switch such as a programming or sequence switch. Also, for the remote tuning of a television receiver, it is conventional practice to utilize a rotary switch for selectively adjusting the television tuner to a different channel.

Rotary solenoids of the prior art usually have relatively high wear and therefore a relatively short useful life. This high wear is occasioned by the fact that usually the reciprocating movement is converted into rotary movement by a ball cam cooperating with a ball socket, both parts being made of metal.

These metal cams suffer relatively high wear and hence reduce the useful 'life .of the rotary solenoid. Furthermore, due to the mechanical construction of prior art devices, they require a relatively large stroke to obtain sufficient rotary motion. This large stroke obviously also increases the wear of the mechanism.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved rotary actuator for converting reciprocating motion into stepwise rotary motion which has relatively low wear and therefore a relatively long useful life.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary solenoid having an improved mechanical construction which reduces the wear of the device and increases its life.

A further object of the present invention is to` provide an improved rotary solenoid which requires but a short stroke to obtain an appreciable stepwise rotary motion thereby decreasing the wear of the parts.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary solenoid of the type referred to which can be substantially sealed in a housing to protect the mechanism from the adverse effects of the atmosphere.

A rotary actuator for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement in accordance with the present invention comprises a cam member adapted to be moved back and forth. Means are provided for preventing rotation of the cam member so that it can only reciprocate. The cam member is provided with two cam fingers which extend in opposite directions while each forms a portion of Ia helix. A ratchet driver is disposed adjacent the cam member and has two apertures shaped to receive the two cam iingers. Accordingly, upon reciprocating movement of `the cam member, the ratchet driver is caused to oscillate back and forth A ratchet dog is provided on the ratchet driver. A ratchet cup is disposed adjacent the ratchet driver and has teeth thereon for engagement with the ratchet dog The ratchet dog is urged by spring means against the teeth of the ratchet member. Finally, detent means may be provided which cooperate with the ratchet member for retaining it in a plurality of positions. As a result, reciprocating movement of the cam member lCC causes stepwise rotation of the ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

Preferably, the cam member is reciprocated by a solenoid. To this end, the solenoid armature may be connected or secured to the cam member.

It may also be noted that with the exception of the cam member, the ratchet driver as well as the ratchet member may be made of plastic materials which greatly reduces the Wear and increases the useful life of the rotary actuator.

The novel features that yare considered characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a longitudinal sectional view of a rotary solenoid in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional View taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and illustrating particularly the cam plate of the mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 1, and illustrating particularly the ratchet driver plate, the associated ratchet cup and the ratchet dog; and

FIG. 4 is a detail view on enlarged scale taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2, and showing particularly one of the cam fingers with the associated ratchet driver plate.

Refering now to FIGS. l through 4, there is illustrated a rotary solenoid embodying the present invention. Such a rotary solenoid may be utilized to rotate stepwise a programming or sequencing switch. Thus, the rotary solenoid of the invention may form part of a stepping relay. It may also be used to drive a television tuner for the remote selection :of channels for a television receiver. The rotary solenoid comprises essentially a housing 10 having an end plate 11, a solenoid 12 having an armature 14, :a cam plate 15, a ratchet driver plate 16 and a ratchet cupt17.

The housing 10 is of generally hollow cylindrical shape and closed at one end by a bottom plate 18. The other end of the housing 10 has an opening 20 which is closed by the end plate 11. For ease of assembly, the housing 10 preferably consists of two equal portions 21 and 22 and preferably consists of a plastic material. Adjacent the bottom plate 18, the housing 10 is provided with an enlarged internal recess 23 in which the solenoid 12 is mounted. About the center of the housing 10 there is provided an internal annular flange 24 forming a shoulder 25 against which the cam plate 15 may bear. Adjacent the annul-ar flange 24 there is provided another annular recess 26 in which the ratchet cup 17 is disposed. Finally, the housing 10 is provided with another annular recess 27 near its open end for retaining therein the end cap 11. The housing 10 is further provided with a cylindrical extension 30 housing a detent mechanism which will be described hereinafter.

The end plate 11 preferably also consists of a plastic material and is disposed in the -opening 20 of the housing 10. The end plate 11 has an external projection 31 which fits into the corresponding recess 27 of the housing 10 so that the end plate can be locked and retained in the housing. The end plate 11 may be provided'w-ith, for example, three internal screw threads 32 (only one of which is illustrated) for engagement with a correspond- -ing number of screws 33. The three circumferentially spaced screws 33 serve the purpose to fasten the rotary solenoid to a panel 34 having a central aperture 35. Preferably, the panel 34 bears against an annular projection 36 on the end plate 11 so that the panel 34 will be spaced from the housing 10.

The solenoid generally indicated at 12 is disposed in the enlarged recess 23 adjacent the bottom plate 18 of the housing 11). The solenoid 12 consists of an annular coil 38 surrounded by a solenoid core 4t) which may, for example, consist of iron or some other suitable magnetizable material. The solenoid core 40 is cylindrical in shape and entirely fills out the space provided by the internal recess 23 of the housing. The solenoid core 46 entirely surrounds the coil 38 except for the annular surface 41 of the solenoid. The core 4t) is provided with an internal conical recess 42 which cooperates with a corresponding conical projection 43 of the armature 14.

The armature 14 also includes a disc 44 slidably arranged in the housing 1t) and adapted .to be attracted by the exposed surface 41 of the solenoid coil 38. Thus, the :solenoid 12, as illustrated in FIG. l, is of the clapper type. This type of solenoid has the advantage that the armature 14 is not attracted unless a suicient magnetic field has been built up by the coil 38. Thereupon, the armature 14 is strongly attracted and rapidly moved into its energin-ed position.

ln the conical projection 43 of the armature 14, there is provided a central cylindrical recess 45 for receiving a bias spring 46 which bears against the plane central :surface of the conical recess 42 in the core 40. Thus, the bias spring 46 urges the armature 14 into its deenergized position from which it is moved into the energized position by energization of the solenoid.

The armature 14 is further provided with a central recess 47 of smaller diameter than the recess 45. A shaft 56 is -disposed in the recess 47 and -rnay be secured to the armature 14 by upending its end portion 51.

The cam plate 15 is disposed in the housing 10 and may bear against the shoulder 25 of the housing flange 24 in the deenergized position illustrated in FIG. l. Thus, the cam plate 15 has a ange 53 disposed adjacent the 4disc 44 of the armature 14. As clearly shown in FIG. 2, the flange 53 of the cam plate 15 is provided with two external ears 54 slidably disposed in corresponding grooves 55 in the housing 10. This arrangement makes it possible for the cam plate 15 to reciprocate in the direction of the central axis of the housing but prevents rotation of the cam plate.

The cam plate is further provided with a central portion 56 of reduced diameter disposed within the internal flange 24 of the housing.

Projecting from the reduced portion 56 of the cam plate 15 there are two cam fingers 60 and 61 which preferably are made integral with the cam plate 15. As clearly shown in the drawings, the .two cam fingers 60 and 61 extend in opposite directions in such a manner that each of the cam fingers 6i) and 61 forms a portion of a helix or screw thread. The purpose of the cam fingers 60 and 61 is t-o cause oscillating movement of the ratchet driver plate 16 upon reciprocal movement of the cam plate 15.

To this end, the ratchet driver plate 16 is p-rovided with two apertures 62 and 63 shaped to engage the two cam fingers 66 and 61. Thus, as clearly shown in FG. 4, movement of the cam plate 15 in the direction of arrow 64 causes rotation of the ratchet driver plate 16 in the direction of arrow 65. In other words, the ratchet driver plate 16 will rotate in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 3 when the solenoid 12 is energized.

The ratchet driver plate 16 is also provi-ded with a dog 66 slidably disposed in a suitable recess 67 of the driver plate 16. A bias spring 68 preferably is disposed in the recess 67 and bears against the ratchet dog 66 to urge it outwardly of the driver plate 16. Finally, the driver plate v16 is provided with a central cylindrical recess 70 for receiving an enlarged portion 71 of the central shaft 50. It will be noted that the enlarged shaft lportion 71 forms a shoulder 72 .against which the reduced portion 56 of the cam plate 15 bears. Thus, the cam plate 15 is secured to the armature 14 by being pressed between the shoulder 72 of the shaft portion 71 andthe upended shaft head 51.

The ratchet cup 17 is provided with a bearing cup portion 74 disposed in the internal recess 26 of the housing. Furthermore, the ratchet cup 17 is provided with ratchet teeth 75 about the internal cylindrical circumference of the bearing cup portion 74. Thus, it will be readily seen that the ratchet dog 66 is adapted to engage the ratchet teeth 75.

A detent disc 76 is preferably made integral with the bearing cup 74. The detent disc 76 is also provided with a central cylindrical recess 77 through which the shaft portion 71 extends. The detent disc 76 in turn is made integra-l with or secured to an -output sleeve 73 which extends through .the end cap 11 and beyond the housing.

Thus, the output sleeve 76 is adapted to rotate within the end cap 11 and extends beyond the housing 16 and the panel 34. A threaded pin 86 is threaded centrally through the output sleeve 73 and is locked in place by a lock nut 81. By securing the pin 86 into and out of the output sleeve 78, the stroke of the shaft 50 may be adjusted.

The detent disc 76 cooperates with a detent mechanism disposed in the cy-lindrical extension 311 of the housing. Thus, a detent ball 82 is .disposed in a cylindrical recess 83 of the projection 30. A threaded adjusting pin 84 is threaded through the end portion of the projection 30 and may be locked by a lock nut S5. A bias spring 86 bears against the adjustment pin 84 and against a plate 87 bearing in turn against the detent ball 32.

Thus, by screwing the pin 84 into or out of the extension 311 of the housing, the spring pressure of the spring 86 may be increased or decreased. The detent ball 82 cooperates with a plurality `of detent pockets 96 provided on the outer circumference of the detent disc 76. Preferably, the number of detent pockets 96 corresponds to the number of ratchet teeth 75 on the ratchet cup 17.

TW-o terminal lugs 91, one `of which is shown in FIG. 1, may be provided on the housing 10 for supplying current to the solenoid coil 38. Thus, each ofthe terminal lugs 91 may be secured by .a screw 92 to a projection 93 on the housing bottom plate 18. The two terminal lugs 91 are then electrically connected by conductors to the two ends of the wire forming the solenoid coil 38.

The materials of which the rotary solenoid of the invention is preferably made will now be described. The solenoid core 40 and the armature 14 ,are both made of iron or some other magnetizable material.

The housing 10 and the end plate 11 may be made from plastic material such, for example, as a polycarbonate. A polycarbonate is a polymer derived from biphenol A of 4,4 `dihydroxy diphenyl propane. This compound has the chemical formula Such a polycarbonate is sold in the trade under the name of Lexan by General Electric Company. This plastic material may readily be molded and can be cheaply made in m-ass production. It is also characterized by great impact strength.

The two housing portions 21 and 22 may be joined together by a suitable cement or by heat sealing or in any other expedient manner. Lexan permits also to join the two housing portions by applying a solvent to the surfaces to be joined. The two housing portions may then be put together and are joined when the solvent dries.

Alternatively, both the housing 10 and the end plate 11 may be made from another plastic material such, for example, as polypropylene. Polypropylene is a polymer of propylene which is a gaseous, unsaturated hydrocarbon with the formula CH3-CHICH2. While polypropylene is cheaper than Lexan, it has the disadvantage that sealing by means of a solvent is not possible as with Lex-an.

Preferably, the conical projection 43 of the armature 14 or the conical recess 42 of the core Vor both are coated with a thin layer of Lexan cement. Since Lexan has a high impact strength, it will prevent impact damage to the armature 14 and core 40. The Lexan layer will also minimize residual magnetism.

The reciprocating shaft 50 is preferably made of steel.

'I'he detent ball 82 may, for example, consist of nylon yor of polyethylene. Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene which is a gaseous, unsaturated hydrocarbon with the formula CHzzCH-Z.

The cam plate may, for example, be die-cast from aluminum or may be made of Zinc. In any case, it is preferred that the cam plate 15 be made integral with the cam fingers 60 and 61.

The ratchet driver plate 16 and the ratchet cup 17 may also be made from Lexan. However, it is also possible to make both the ratchet driver plate 16 and the ratchet cup 17 from a material sold in the trade under the name of Nylotron GS. Nylotron GS is compounded together with nylon and a suitable lubricant such as graphite and molybdenum disulfate. As a result, Nylotron GS is a plastic material which can be readily molded and which is selflubricating to reduce wear.

It is also feasible to lubricate the relatively moving part with a suit-able lubricant such, for example, as silicone grease. For example, the silicone grease may be applied between the central shaft 50 and both the ratchet driver plate 16 and the ratchet cup 17 If desired, it may also be applied to the cam lingers 60 and` 61.

The maner in which the rotary solenoid is assembled will now be described. The ,armature 14 and the cam plate 15 `are iirst put over the reduced shaft portion 50 until the reduced portion 56 of the cam plate bears against the shoulder I72 of the shaft. Thereupon, the end portion 51 of the shaft may be upended to secure both the armature 14 and the cam plate 15 together to the shaft 50. Thereupon, the ratchet driver 16 may be put on the large shaft portion 71 to be followed by the ratchet cup 17. Care should be taken that the two cam fingers 60 and 61 are properly inserted in the corresponding apertures 62 and 63. Next, the end plate 11 may be put about the output sleeve portion 78 of the ratchet cup 17 Next, the detent mechanism may be assembled. To this end, the spring 86 is put against the threaded pin 84 whereupon the plate 87 and the detent ball 82 .are inserted in the recess 83 of the housing projection 30. Subsequently, the solenoid 12 may be inserted into the two housing portions 21 and 22. Thereafter, the two housing portions 81 and 82 ,are put about the remainder of the previously assembled parts. The two housing portions are then connected together or joined in any of the manners previously described. Finally, the thus :assembled rotary solenoid may be put about a panel 34 which is then secured by the bolts 33. The rotary solenoid is now ready for operation.

The rotary solenoid operates essentially in the following manner:

Let it be assumed that the solenoid 38 is energized. Thereupon, the armature 14 and the cam plate 15 will move toward the left of FIG. l. As pointed out hereinbefore, rotation of the cam plate 15 is prevented by the ears 54 thereof. As a result of the reciprocating motion of the cam plate 15, the two cam fingers 60 and 61 are withdrawn in part from their corresponding apertures 62 and 63. As previously described, this will cause a counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet driver plate 16 as viewed in FIG. 3. This results in a rotation of the ratchet dog 66 with respect to the ratchet teeth 75 so that the ratchet dog will engage the next one of the ratchet teeth 75.

When the solenoid 12 is now deenergized, both the armature 14 and the cam plate 15 are forced to move toward the right by the bias spring 46. As a result, the two cam fingers 60 and 61 again slide into their recesses 62 and 63. This will cause the ratchet driver plate 16 to oscillate back in a clockwise direction. This clockwise rotation of the ratchet driver plate 16 causes also a clockwise rotation of the ratchet cup 17 due to the engagement of the dog 66 with one of the ratchet teeth 7 5.

Thus, it will be seen that the ratchet cup 17 is forced to rotate in a clockwise direction one or more steps every time the solenoid 12 is energized and deenergized. The detent ball 82 engaging the corresponding detent pockets 90 will prevent a counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet cup 17 The detent ball 82 a-lso prevents over-travel of the ratchet cup 17 due to inertia of the rapid movement or acceleration of the ratchet cup during its clockwise rotation or Stnoke.

It will also be understood that the direction of the helix or screw thread of the cam lingers 60, 61 and the cam apertures 62, 63 may be reversed. In that case, the power stroke caused by the energization of the solenoid 12 will rotate the ratchet cup 17 in a clockwise direction. The spring 46 will then cause a counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet cup 17 The energization of the solenoid will rotate the output sleeve 78 stepwise while the return stroke, due to the bias spring 46, causes the ratchet dog 66 to engage the next ratchet tooth 75.

By means of the pin `80 and lock nut 81, the stroke of the shaft 50 can be adjusted within certain limits. Thus, the rotary solenoid can be made to move forward through an angle determined by one, two or more of the ratchet teeth 75.

It will be noted that during operation of the rotary solenoid, the armature 14, the cam plate 15 and the shaft 50 reciprocate from left to right and back again as viewed in FIG. l. At the same time, the ratchet driver plate 16 oscillates back and forth. Finally, the ratchet cup 17, the detent disc 76 and the output sleeve 78 rotate stepwise always in the same direction.

While the rotary actuator of the invention has been illustrated with a solenoid for causing reciprocating movement thereof, it will be apparent that the actuator mechanism may also be driven by hand or in any other convenient manner.

The rotary motion developed by the rotary solenoid or actuator may be taken off the output sleeve 78. For eX- ample, the output sleeve 7 8 may be made integral with or may be keyed to a rotary switch. In this manner it is possible to obtain a programming and/ or sequencing switch or a stepping relay. The rotary solenoid may also be used for selecting a different channel by controlling the position of a television tuner from a remote position.

There has thus been disclosed an improved rotary actuator or rotary solenoid. A reciprocating movement is converted into a rotary movement in accordance with the present invention by the use of cam fingers of helical or screw shape. As a result of this construction, the reciprocating stroke may be relatively short while still obtaining a relatively large rotary motion. Due to the shorter stroke required to actuate the device, wear is reduced. The wear of the rotary solenoid is further reduced by the fact that the relatively moving parts are all made of plastic material except for the cam plate and the cam fingers. A reduction in wear will of course increase the useful life of the solenoid. Furthermore, all plastic parts may be either self-lubricating or may be externally lubricated to further reduce the wear.

The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description. It will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof or sacrificing its material advantages, the arrangement hereinbefore described being merely by way of example. I do not wish to be restricted to the specific form shown or uses mentioned except as defined in the accompanying claims, wherein various portions have been separated for clarity of reading and not for emphasis.

I claim:

1. An actuator for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a cam member adapted for reciprocating movement;

(b) means preventing rotation of said cam member;

(c) means for moving said cam member back and orth;

(d) two cam fingers on said cam member extending in opposite directions and each forming a portion of a helix;

(e) a ratchet driver disposed adjacent said cam rnember and having two apertures shaped to receive said cam lingers and to cause oscillating movement of said ratchet driver upon reciprocating movement of said cam member;

(f) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver;

(g) a ratchet member disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having teeth thereon adapted to be engaged by said ratchet dog; and

(h) spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth on said ratchet member, whereby reciprocating movement of said cam member causes stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

2. A rotary actuator for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a cam member adapted for reciprocating movement;

(b) means preventing rotation of said cam member;

(c) means for moving said cam member back and forth;

(d) two cam fingers on said cam member extending in opposite directions and each forming a portion of a helix;

(e) a ratchet driver disposed adjacent said cam member and having two apertures shaped to receive said cam fingers and to cause oscillating movement of said ratchet driver upon reciprocating movement of said cam member;

(f) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver;

(g) a ratchet member disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having teeth thereon adapted to be engaged by said ratchet dog;

(h) spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth on said ratchet member; and

(i) detent means cooperating with said ratchet member for retaining said ratchet member in a plurality of positions, whereby reciprocating movement of said cam member causes stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

3. A rotary actuator for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a metallic carn member adapted for reciprocating movement;

(b) means preventing rotation of said cam member;

(c) means for moving said cam member back and forth;

(d) two cam iingers integral with said cam member and extending in oposite directions and each forming a portion of a helix;

(e) a plastic ratchet driver disposed adjacent said cam member and having two apertures shaped to receive said cam fingers and to cause oscillating movement of said ratchet driver upon reciprocating movement of said cam member;

(f) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver;

(g) a plastic ratchet member disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having teeth thereon adapted to be engaged by said ratchet dog;

(h) spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth on said ratchet member; and

(i) detent means cooperating with said ratchet member for retaining said ratchet member in a plurality of positions, whereby reciprocating movement of said cam member causes stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

4. A rotary actuator for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a cam member adapted for reciprocating movement;

(b) means preventing rotation of said cam member;

(c) magnetic means for moving said cam member in a iirst direction;

(d) tirst spring means for urging said cam member in a direction opposite said irst direction;

(e) two cam fingers on said cam member extending in opposite directions and each forming a portion of a helix;

(t) a ratchet driver disposed adjacent said cam member and having two apertures shaped to receive said cam fingers and to cause oscillating movement of said ratchet driver upon reciprocating movement of said cam member;

(g) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver;

(h) a ratchet member disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having teeth thereon adapted to be engaged by said ratchet dog;

(i) second spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth on said ratchet member; and

(j) detent means cooperating with said ratchet member for retaining said ratchet member in a plurality of positions, whereby reciprocating movement of said cam member causes stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

5. A rotary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a solenoid adapted to be energized;

(b) an armature adapted to be attracted by said solenoid upon energization thereof and to be moved into an energized position;

(c) rst spring means for urging said armature into a deenergized position;

(d) a cam member secured to said armature for reciprocating movement therewith and having two cam fingers forming a portion of a helix;

(e) guide means for said cam member to prevent rotation thereof but to permit reciprocating movement with said armature;

(f) a ratchet driver having two apertures shaped in such a manner as to permit engagement of said cam fingers therewith and to cause oscillation of said ratchet driver upon movement of said armature from its deenergized to its energized position and back to its deenergized position;

(g) a ratchet member mounted for rotation and disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having ratchet teeth thereon;

(h) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver; and

(i) second spring means for urging said ratchet dog against the ratchet teeth on said ratchet member so that energization of said solenoid and subsequent deenergization thereof will cause reciprocating movement of said armature and of said cam member to cause in turn oscillation of said ratchet driver and stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

6. A rotary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a solenoid adapted to be energized;

(b) a core piece surrounding said solenoid and having a central conical aperture;

(c) an armature having a central conical projection adapted to be attracted by said solenoid upon energization thereof and to be moved into an energized position, said conical projection of said armature engaging said conical aperture of said core piece;

(d) rst spring means for urging said armature into a deenergized position;

(e) a cam member secured to said armature for reciprocating movement therewith and having two cam ngers forming a portion of a helix;

(f) guide means for said cam member to prevent rotation thereot but to permit reciprocating movement with said armature;

(g) 'a ratchet driver having two apertures shaped in such a manner as to permit engagement of said cam fingers therewith and to cause oscillation of said ratchet driver upon movement of said armature from its deenergized to its energized position and back to its deenergized position;

(h) a ratchet member mounted for rotation and disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having ratchet teeth thereon;

(i) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver; and

(j) second spring means for urging said ratchet dog against the ratchet teeth on said ratchet member so that energization of said solenoid and subsequent deenergization thereof will cause reciprocating movement of said armature and of said cam member to cause in turn oscillation of said ratchet driver and stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction.

7. A rotary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement comprising:

(a) a solenoid adapted to be energized;

(b) an armature adapted to be attracted by said solenoid upon energization thereof and to be moved into an energized position;

(c) rst spring means for urging said armature into a deenergized position;

(d) a cam member secured to said armature for recipcating movement therewith and having two cam lingers forming a portion of a helix;

(e) guide means for said cam member to prevent rotation thereof but to permit reciprocating movement with said armature;

(f) a ratchet driver having two apertures shaped in such a manner as to permit engagement of said cam ngers therewith and to cause oscillation of Said ratchet driver upon movement of said armature from its deenergized to its energized position and back to its deenergized position;

(g) a ratchet member mounted for rotation and disposed adjacent said ratchet driver and having ratchet teeth thereon;

(h) a ratchet dog on said ratchet driver;

(i) second spring means for urging said ratchet dog against the ratchet teeth on said ratchet member so that energization of said solenoid and subsequent deenergization thereof will cause reciprocating movement of said armature and of said cam member to cause in turn oscillation of said ratchet driver and stepwise rotation of said ratchet member in a predetermined direction; and

(j) detent means cooperating with said ratchet member for rotating said ratchet member in a plurality of positions for preventing rotation of said ratchet member in a direction opposite said predetermined direction.

8. A notary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into .step-wise rotation movement comprising:

(a) -a solenoid adapted to -be energize-d;

(b) fan [armature disposed for attraction into an energized position by said solenoid upon energization thereof;

(c) dir-st spring means urging said armature into its deenergized position;

(d) a shaft extending centrally through and secured to said armature;

(e) a cam plate secured to said armature and to said shaft to cause reciprocating motion of said shaft and cam plate upon energization and deenergizat-ion of said solenoid, said cam plate having two lingers ther-eon ext-ending in opposite directions yand each forming a portion of a helix;

(f) guide means for said cam plate to permit only reciprocating movement thereof;

(g) a ratchet driver plate disposed on said shaft for oscillation thereof, said ratchet driver plate having two .apertures therein shaped to receive said cam lingers, whereby upon reciprocating movement of said cam plate said ratchet driver plate will oscillate back andforth;

(h) a ratchet dog disposed in said ratchet driver plate;

(i) a ratchet cup disposed adjacent said driver plate and having teeth alo-ng an inner circumference .thereof for engagement with said ratchet dog, said ratchet cup having a sleeve portion surrounding said shaft;

(j) second spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth of said ratchet cup;

(k) a detent ball disposed in said housing; and

(l) detent ,pockets on said ratchet cup for retaining said ratchet cup in any one of a plurality of positions.

9. A rotary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into stepwise rotation movement comprising:

(a) -a solenoid adapted to be energized;

(b) :an armature disposed for attraction into an energized position by said solenoid upon energizartion there-of;

(c) rfi-rst spring means urging said armature into its deenergized position;

(d) a central shaft extending through said armature;

(e) a cam plate, said cam plate and armature being secured to said shaft to cause reciprocating motion of said shaft and cam plate upon energization and deenergization of said solenoid, said cam plate having two lingers thereon extending in opposite directions and each forming a portion of a helix;

(f) guide means cooperating with said cam plate to permit only reciprocating movement thereof;

(g) a ratchet driver plate disposed on said shaft for oscillation thereof, said ratchet driver plate having rtwo apertures therein shaped t-o receive said cam tngers; whereby upon reciprocating movement of said cam plate said ratchet driver plate will oscillate back and forth;

(h) a ratchet dog disposed in said ratchet dniver plate;

(i) a natchet cup disposed adjacent said driver plate land having teeth along an inner circumference thereof for engagement with said ratchet dog, said ratchet icup having a sleeve portion surrounding said shaft and extending beyond said shaft;

(j) sec-ond spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth of said ratchet cup; and

(k) an adjustable screw extending through said sleeve portion of said ratchet cup for limiting reciprocating movement of said shaft.

10. A rotary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into stepwise rotation movement comprising:

(a) a housing of substantially hollow cylindrical shape `having one open end;

(b) a solenoid disposed in said housing and adapt-ed to be energized;

(c) an .armature disposed for attraction into an energized position by said solenoid upon energization Ithereof;

(d) rfirst spring means urging said armature into its deenergized position;

(e) a central shaft extending through said housing and having a portion secured to said armature;

(f) a cam plate secured to said armature and to said sha-ft to cause reciprocating motion of said shaft and cam plate upon energization and deenergization of said sollen-oid, said cam plate having two :fingers thereon extending in opposite ydirections and each forming a portion of a helix, said cam plate having two ears on the circumference thereof;

(g) grooves in said housing for receiving said ears to permit only reciprocating movement of said cam p ate;

(h) a patcher driver plate disposed on said shaft for oscillation thereof, said ratchet driver plate having 1 1 two apertures .therein shaped to receive said cam lingers, whereby upon reciprocating movement of said cam plate said ratchet driver plate will oseillate back and forth;

(i) a ratchet d-og disposed in said ratchet driver plate;

(j) la ratchet cup disposed adjacent said dri-ver pla-te and having teeth along an inner circumference thereof for engagement with said ratchet dog, said ratchet cup having a sleeve portion surrounding said shaft and extending through the open end of said housing;

(k) second spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth :of said ratchet cup;

.(l) a detent bal-l disposed in said housing;

(im) detent pockets on said ratchet cup for retaining said ratchet cup in any one of a plurality of positions; and

(n) an end cap closing the open end of said housing and surrounding said sleeve porti-on of said ratchet cup.

l11. A rotary solenoid for converting reciprocating movement into stepwise rotation movement comprising:

(a) a housing of substantially hollow cylindrical shape having one open end;

(b) a solenoid disposed in said housing and adapted to be energized;

(c) an armature disposed for attraction into .an energized .position by said solenoid upon energiz-ation thereof;

-(d) iirst spring means urging said armature into its deenergized position;

(e) a central shaft extend-ing through said housing and having ,a portion secured to said armature;

(f) a cam plate secured to said armature and to said 1 shaft to cause reciprocating motion of said shaft and cam plate upon energizati-on and deenergization of said solenoid, said cam plate having two ngers thereon extending in opposite directions and each forming a portion of a helix, said cam plate having two ears on the circumference thereof;

(g) grooves in said housing for receiving said ears to 12 permit only reciprocating movement of said cam plate;

(h) a ratchet driver plate disposed on said shaft for oscillation thereof, said ratchet driver plate having two apertures therein shaped to receive said cam fingers, whereby upon reciprocating movement of said cam plate said ratchet driver plate will oscillate back and for-th;

(i) a ratchet dog disposed in said ratchet driver plate;

(j) .a ratchet cup disposed adjacent said driver plate and having teeth :al-ong an inner circumference thereof for engagement with said ratchet dog, to cause stepwise rotation of said ratchet cup in a predetermined direction, said ratchet cup having a sleeve portion surrounding said shaft and extending through the open end of said housing;

(k) second spring means urging said ratchet dog against the teeth of said ratchet cup;

(l) a detent ball disposed in said housing;

(m) .detent .pockets on said ratchet cup for retaining :said ratchet cup in yany one of a plurality of positions, and for preventing rotation .off said ratchet cup in a direction opposite said predetermined direction;

(n) tan end cap closing the open end of said housing and surrounding said sleeve port-ion of said ratchet cup; and

(o) fan .adjustable screw extending through said sleeve portion of said ratchet cup for limiting movement of said shaft.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS I2,566,571 9/51 'Leland 74-89 2,872,958 2/59 Popeil 74-88 X 2,954,701 10/ 60 Berill 74--88 X 3,075,395 1/ 63 Leland et al. 74-89 3,092,740 6/163 Leland 74--88 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,180,391 12/58 France.

BROUGHTON G. DURHAM, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN ACTUATOR FOR CONVERTING RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT INTO ROTARY MOVEMENT COMPRISING: (A) CAM MEMBER ADAPTED FOR RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT; (B) MEANS PREVENTING ROTATION OF SAID CAM MEMBER; (C) MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CAM MEMBER BACK AND FORTH; (D) TWO CAM FINGERS ON SAID CAM MEMBER EXTENDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS AND EACH FORMING A PORTION OF A HELIX; (E) A RATCHET DRIVER DISPOSED ADJACENT SAID CAM MEMBER AND HAVING TWO APERTURES SHAPED TO RECEIVE SAID CAM FINGERS AND TO CAUSE OSCILLATING MOVEMENT OF SAID RATCHET DRIVER UPON RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT OF SAID CAM MEMBER; (F) A RATCHET DOG ON SAID RATCHET DRIVER; (G) A RATCHET MEMBER DISPOSED ADJACENT SAID RATCHET DRIVER AND HAVING TEETH TEHREON ADAPTED TO BE ENGAGED BY SAID RATCHET DOG; AND (H) SPRING MEANS URGING SAID RATCHET DOG AGAINST THE TEETH ON SAID RATCHET MEMBER, WHEREBY RECIPROCATING MOVEMENT OF SAID CAM MEMBER CAUSES STEPWISE ROTATION OF SAID RATCHET MEMBER IN A PREDETERMINED DIRECTION. 